This Creamy Italian Turkey Sausage Pasta is a lighter twist on classic sausage pasta recipes. Made with seasoned ground turkey, fusilli pasta, and a creamy marinara sauce, this dish delivers bold Italian flavor without feeling heavy.
If you’re searching for an easy ground turkey pasta recipe, a healthy creamy pasta, or a weeknight Italian dinner, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
- High-protein and lighter than traditional sausage pasta
- Creamy without using heavy cream
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Family-friendly and comforting
Ingredients for Creamy Italian Turkey Sausage Pasta
- 1 package fusilli pasta, cooked 4 minutes under package directions
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 8 tbsp marinara sauce
- ⅔ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup skim milk
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Avocado oil, for cooking
- Reserved pasta water
How to Make Creamy Italian Turkey Sausage Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli 4 minutes less than the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet along with parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce until combined. Add the chicken broth and skim milk, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Finish the Sauce
Stir in the parmesan cheese and a splash of reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes smooth and lightly creamy.
6. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked fusilli to the skillet and toss to coat. Continue simmering until the pasta is al dente, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Serve
Remove from heat and serve warm. Top with additional parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Turkey Sausage Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it will finish cooking in the sauce
- Add red pepper flakes for heat
- Make it richer by swapping skim milk for half-and-half
- Reheat with broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well for this creamy turkey pasta.
Is ground turkey healthier than sausage?
Ground turkey is typically leaner and lower in saturated fat, making this a lighter alternative to traditional sausage pasta.
Can I meal prep this pasta?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of liquid when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Turkey Sausage Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s a healthier take on classic creamy pasta recipes that still feels indulgent.
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